Soulstar

With Soulstar, C. L. Polk concludes her riveting Kingston Cycle, a whirlwind of magic, politics, romance, and intrigue that began with the World Fantasy Award-winning Witchmark. Assassinations, deadly storms, and long-lost love haunt the pages of this thrilling final volume.

For years, Robin Thorpe has kept her head down, staying among her people in the Riverside neighborhood and hiding the magic that would have her imprisoned by the state. But when Grace Hensley comes knocking on Clan Thorpe’s door, Robin’s days of hiding are at an end. As freed witches flood the streets of Kingston, scrambling to reintegrate with a kingdom that destroyed their lives, Robin begins to plot a course that will ensure a freer, juster Aeland. At the same time, she has to face her long-bottled feelings for the childhood love that vanished into an asylum twenty years ago.

Can Robin find happiness among the rising tides of revolution? Can Kingston survive the blizzards that threaten, the desperate monarchy, and the birth throes of democracy? Find out as the Kingston Cycle comes to an end.

PRAISE FOR WITCHMARK

"Thoroughly charming and deftly paced." —The New York Times

"Invigoratingly original, crisply and subtly and wittily written." —Anthony Rapp

"C.L. Polk's Witchmark is a delightfully compulsive read. With an intriguing alternate world of magic and modernity and the costs of both, and an endearing protagonist in Dr. Miles Singer — more, please!" —Carrie Vaughn

"Enthralling, fast-paced, and romantic, Witchmark unveils a fascinating world. Polk writes with assured ease. I can't wait for her next book!" —Elizabeth Hoyt

“This book has it all: alternate history Edwardian world, magic system world-building, murder mystery, family drama, examination of class systems — did I mention magic? — and a sweet male/male romance.” —Alyssa Cole

"A crackler, with layers like a nesting doll and just as delightful to discover. Witchmark is a can't-miss debut that will enchant readers." —Booklist Starred Review

"Polk's stellar debut... blends taut mystery, exciting political intrigue, and inventive fantasy... Polk is a writer to watch." —Publishers Weekly Starred Review

"The world of this new series feel rich and familiar, yet wholly unique. The atmosphere is perfect for this tale of dangerous magic, lost souls and lonely hearts." —RT Book Reviews

"The subtle ways Polk builds her characters, reveals the systems under which they live and unwinds a complicated, twisting plot with both personal and political implications are testaments to her skill as a storyteller." —Shelf Awareness

"This book has romance, mystery, witch battles, and bicycle chases." —Elizabeth Bear

"Glowing with expertly handled magic, in a deeply-layered alternate world, Polk's Witchmark is a serious mystery and a steaming romance. I'm enchanted." —Fran Wilde

"Witchmark is a brilliant read, full of atmosphere and thrills, likable characters, and more than a bit of romance. It is a remarkable debut!" —Los Angeles Public Library

"If you need a fun queer period adventure romance, you'll want to add this to your TBR pile." —Aliette de Bodard

"Witchmark is an exciting, accomplished and wonderfully written debut. C.L. Polk has created a world which, while recognisable, is nonetheless wholly original — the perfect setting for a fast-paced, complex and wonderfully characterised story." —Foz Meadows